Quinta do Rapozinho Braga, Portugal

This collection of six vacation home rentals in Portugal was restored from the rambling remains of an ancient farm. The rustic charm and character were left undisturbed to highlight the simple beauty of the original structures and maintain cultural authenticity.

Based at the foot of Serra da Cabreira in the farthest reaches of northern Portugal, this rambling old farm is comprised of a cluster of ancient dwellings that have been turned into charming individual vacation home rentals.

Originally constructed with all natural materials including stone and timbers, the structures were in a state disrepair when the owners discovered them. Restored using recycled materials and local building techniques, each of the houses retain the authenticity and historic characteristics of the region.

From cozy to romantic, the interiors are warm and welcoming and fully equipped with living rooms, fireplaces and modest kitchenettes and can sleep from two to four guests. Decorated and furnished with an eclectic array of antiques and recycled pieces, including beds that were cleverly repurposed from oak barrels, the houses are rustic but comfortable. All of the houses have private outdoor spaces with barbecues for simple meals or you can dine in the main house courtesy of your hosts.

Surrounded by gardens and olive groves, the grounds include a season pool and plenty of peaceful green spaces to relax and admire the mountain and valley views.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

A welcome basket with ingredients for breakfast and fresh bread delivered daily with optional in home lunch and dinner menu. Daily housekeeping with linen change every four days and optional laundry services. Wifi throughout, cable TV in each house, kitchen and bath amenities, a basket of firewood, private parking. The grounds include badminton net, football pad, bicycles for guests use, and inflatable baby pool.

AROUND

An hour outside of Porto between Minho and Trás-os-Montes, the rural area around the town of Cabeceiras de Basto outside of Braga is dotted with charming villages among the green landscapes and rivers. Well known as a place of legendary traditions and festivals including the elaborate Semana Santa, Braga is Portugal’s third largest city. Its elegant historic center is closed to vehicles, offering a great opportunity to wander its maze of narrow lanes and explore the Baroque architecture and plazas lined with great cafes and shops. The UNESCO city of Guimarães is a thirty minute drive from the property and is similarly beautiful and historic with a picturesque medieval center and the thousand year old castle and the massive 15th century palace perched opposite the town. Once the capital of Portugal it was named the European Capital of Culture in 2012. An hour north is the stunning Peneda-Geres National Park and World Heritage Biosphere. A vast expanse of wilderness, its Portugal’s only national park with multiple entrance points leading up to the Spanish border. The Douro valley is an hour east.